A car wreck can turn your life upside down in seconds. Medical bills begin piling up, your car may be out of commission, and you may be missing work. To make matters worse, you’ll likely have to deal with an insurance company—either your own or the at-fault driver’s—at a time when you’re most vulnerable.
The unfortunate truth is that insurance companies are not in the business of protecting you. They exist to protect their bottom line, and they employ trained adjusters and lawyers to minimize what they pay out. That’s why it’s essential to understand their tactics and know how to stand up for your rights.
At Burnett & Williams, attorneys C. James “Jim” Williams III and Kimberly J. Raab have dedicated their careers to helping Virginians navigate these challenges. With decades of combined experience—including Jim’s background as a former insurance defense attorney and Kim’s extensive trial practice across Virginia—they know how insurers operate and how to protect clients from unfair treatment. Their expertise help clients who need a car accident lawyer Richmond VA or a truck accident lawyer in Richmond VA
Here are their top tips for dealing with insurance companies after a wreck.
1. Report the Accident Promptly, But Be Careful with What You Say
It’s important to notify your insurance company of the accident right away. However, you should keep your statement factual and brief. Stick to the basics—time, place, vehicles involved—and avoid guessing about fault or minimizing your injuries.
Something as simple as saying, “I’m fine,” can later be used against you as evidence that your injuries weren’t serious. Insurance adjusters are trained to listen carefully for statements they can twist in the company’s favor.
2. Expect a Quick, Low Settlement Offer
Insurance companies often make fast settlement offers, hoping you’ll accept before the full extent of your injuries is known. These early offers are rarely enough to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and future care needs.
Both Williams and Raab stress the importance of having a personal injury settlement attorney in Richmond VA to review any offer before you sign. A skilled lawyer ensures your rights are fully protected.
3. Know the Tactics Insurers Use to Limit Payouts
Having worked inside a major insurance company, Jim Williams has seen firsthand how adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Likewise, Kim Raab, who has tried numerous personal injury cases in courts across Virginia, has seen the same tactics play out in front of juries. Common strategies include:
- Delays: dragging out the claims process in hopes you’ll settle for less.
- Disputes over fault: suggesting you were partly to blame, which under Virginia’s strict contributory negligence law could bar you from recovering anything.
- Minimizing injuries: claiming your pain comes from pre-existing conditions rather than the accident.
- Information overload: requesting endless documentation to frustrate you into giving up.
Recognizing these strategies helps you stay a step ahead and resist pressure to accept less than you deserve.
4. Document Everything
Strong evidence is your best weapon against insurance company tactics. From the moment the accident occurs, start collecting and saving:
- Photos of the vehicles, injuries, and accident scene
- Police reports
- Medical records and bills
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Pay stubs or employer letters documenting lost wages
- Notes on how your injuries affect daily life
Kim Raab emphasizes that meticulous preparation and detailed records can make all the difference, whether the case is resolved through settlement negotiations or taken to trial.
5. Understand Virginia’s Contributory Negligence Rule
Virginia is one of just a few states that follows pure contributory negligence. This means that if you are found even one percent at fault, you could be completely barred from recovering compensation.
Insurance companies know this and will often search for any detail—no matter how small—to claim you contributed to the accident. This makes it even more important to have a lawyer who understands how to push back against these arguments and present a strong case on your behalf.
6. Don’t Face Insurance Companies Alone
Insurance adjusters and their attorneys handle claims every day. Their goal is to protect the company’s profits, not your recovery. Trying to take them on without legal representation is like stepping onto the field against a professional sports team without a coach or playbook.
Jim Williams brings unique insight from his years as litigation counsel for Progressive Insurance, while Kim Raab brings extensive trial experience from handling cases throughout the Commonwealth. Together, they provide clients with powerful advocacy and a deep understanding of both negotiation and litigation strategies.
7. Think About the Long-Term Impact
Insurance companies focus on short-term costs like emergency room bills or car repairs. But serious injuries often create long-term financial and personal challenges:
- Ongoing medical treatment or surgeries
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Lost earning potential
- Chronic pain or reduced mobility
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
A fair settlement should take into account not just what you’ve lost so far, but what you will continue to lose in the future. Both Williams and Raab work closely with medical experts and financial specialists to ensure their clients’ claims reflect the full scope of damages.
Final Thoughts
After a car wreck, dealing with insurance companies is often one of the most stressful parts of recovery. Their adjusters and attorneys are trained to protect the company’s bottom line, not your well-being. But by knowing their tactics, keeping careful records, and getting skilled legal help from Richmond VA accident attorneys or a personal injury lawyer Richmond VA, you can protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need.
At Burnett & Williams, attorneys Jim Williams and Kim Raab have dedicated their careers to helping accident victims across Virginia. With Jim’s insider knowledge of the insurance industry and Kim’s extensive courtroom experience, they understand the complexities of insurance claims and fight tirelessly for the best outcomes for their clients.
If you’ve been injured in a car wreck, don’t let the insurance company dictate your recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
Contact Our Richmond-Area Team
Burnett & Williams, P.C. – Midlothian Office
1527 Huguenot Rd., Suite 201, Midlothian, VA 23113
Phone: (804) 794-0080 | Toll-Free: 800-969-1650
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